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As of 10:30 a.m. today, the speed limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the Ohio Line to the Blue Mountain/Kittatinny tunnels has been reduced to 45 mph due to the heavy snowfalls resulting from the winter storm. Motorists on the section of Pennsylvania Turnpike from milepost 0 to 200 should not travel unless it is necessary.

Motorists are reminded to heed the lower speed limits and turn on your headlights to see and be seen.

In addition, trucks pulling doubles or empty trailers are now banned from traveling in both directions on the 86-mile stretch of Turnpike from New Stanton (Exit #75) to Breezewood (Exit #161). The ban includes vehicles pulling, campers, utility and horse trailers.

Turnpike motorists should also be aware that tow plows (a large plow being pulled behind a truck) and plow trains (several plow/salt trucks in a row) are being used by maintenance crews in the impacted areas; in a plow train, multiple plow trucks drive in a staggered formation to clear the entire roadway. Motorists cannot pass a plow train, and should stay back at a safe distance behind the plow trucks as visibility can be hampered by swirling snows. When possible, state police will be following these plow trains to warn motorists to keep a safe distance.

Snow is now starting to fall on the Turnpike in the South-Central region of the state east of the Blue Mountain Tunnel, and lower speeds and truck bans could be implemented in this area later today if conditions warrant.

Pennsylvania Turnpike motorists will be alerted about any such restrictions via Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio station 1640 AM, and the Turnpike web site, www.paturnpike.com.

Please use extreme caution when traveling in inclement weather. If you must be on the highway in this area, please visit www.paturnpike.com (select the “Traveler Info” menu on the left) or call or the Turnpike travel advisory hotline, 1-866-976-8747, to check conditions before you leave.